Chonburi: The Board of Investment (BOI) has given the green light for Tomorrowland, the globally acclaimed electronic music festival, to make its Asian debut in Thailand. This landmark event is expected to significantly boost the economy and fortify Thailand's reputation as a premier festival destination.
According to Thai News Agency, the BOI has approved investment promotion for VR1.World (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Thai and Belgian partners, to organize Tomorrowland Thailand. Scheduled to take place in December 2026 at Wisdom Valley, Chonburi province, the festival will host up to 50,000 attendees per day over three days. Over 60% of attendees are anticipated to be international visitors, contributing an estimated economic impact of at least 21 billion baht over five years.
The collaboration involves TL International, a subsidiary of the Tomorrowland Group, and One Asia Ventures, a Thai company experienced in organizing international EDM festivals. This partnership aims to draw tourists from around the world, stimulate economic growth, and enhance Thailand's standing as a top-tier festival hub. Additionally, the Tomorrowland Academy project will launch to impart international event management knowledge to Thai professionals, thereby advancing the local tourism and music festival industries.
Mr. Narut Teodsathirasak, Secretary-General of the BOI, highlighted that the board has been facilitating international music, sports, and festival events since 2024. The BOI has removed several logistical barriers for large-scale events, such as visa and work permit challenges for foreign artists and tax burdens on temporarily imported equipment. These measures are designed to make Thailand a more attractive venue for world-class events, thereby drawing international tourists and boosting related industries like hospitality and services.
The BOI has set forth criteria for promotional endeavors in "International Music, Sports, and Festival Events," requiring a minimum investment or expenditure of 100 million baht per event. Approved events benefit from import duty exemptions on equipment and streamlined visa and work permit processes, supported by the One Stop Service center in collaboration with the Immigration Bureau and the Ministry of Labour.